C-Band spectrum, as well as being used for commercial purposes, is also vital in terms of certain defense strategies. The U.S. The Department of Defense (DoD) “has many radars and weapon systems that operate in this band” Ken Carrigan, senior systems engineer, U.S. Navy talks to Via Satellite about why satellite players should hang onto C-Band spectrum.
Via Satellite: What is your whole take on the demands for C-Band spectrum resources and competing arguments of telecoms and satellite players? Is there a compromise that can be reached, or is it a case of one or the other? Is there a middle ground between WiMAX and satellite, for example?
Carrigan: The quest of ITU trying to harmonize allocation of spectrum for IMT and IMT-Advanced did/does not adequately address users in the band, nor does it adequately address the deployment of satellites and systems mutually operating in the band in the future. It seems to be driven by political/commercial might, rather then compatibility of systems operating in the bands presently. Studies have shown, test performed, and results already conclude that IMT deployed will cause degradation and loss of satellite terminal operation to users if operated in the same band. Moreover, IMT base units radiating over 1Watt isotropically will impact satellites users over 100km distance. C/S-Band IMT is not compatible with C/S band Satellite terminals. The middle ground would be for IMT units not to operate 100km from Satellite terminals. This is not only impractical, but with mobile WiMAX (802.16e) deployed in C-Band, it would be impossible to enforce such a standoff distance. No middle ground exists, its all or none. Where C-Band IMT is deployed, C-Band satellite terminal will loose, and thereby vendors and manufacturers of C-Band satellites and terminals will suffer major financial loss.
Via Satellite: One of the arguments being mooted is the importance of C-Band in developing countries for communications. What would be the ramifications for these territories if this C-Band capacity was assigned to terrestrial mobile players rather than satellite?
Carrigan: Wrong question or argument. C-Band is NOT the only band to deploy IMT communications. C-band is optimized for satellites, not only in its broad coverage or foot print, but also less effected by heavy rain, foliage, smog, and atmospherics, where Ku would suffer loss. Satellite service in C-band is very necessary and they can not move to alternative bands for this ideal link margin. IMT does not need this type of quality.
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